Pistons at Pacers

“The game came down to free throws and rebounds. We gave up 32 second-chance points. Going into the game we knew they were the sixth-best rebounding team in the league. At the end of the day, we had great opportunities, but all those extra possessions add up and it puts you in a situation to make a missed game. Unfortunately, tonight we missed. From an offensive standpoint, I thought we had really good rhythm. We shot a high percentage because I thought our intent was right. Defensively, I was disappointed with the second shots. Hansbrough on the glass is a load, and Paul George obviously was really special, so defensively, we had to be better. (On Paul George) He’s taken leaps. When we played them initially Paul George wasn’t really known as a three-point shooter. This year he is shooting 40 percent from the three. His ability to guard showed last year in the playoffs. (In general) We’ll continue to fight and claw, but obviously we are far from the finished product.”

“It was an up and down game. We had a lot of opportunities that we didn’t capitalize on, and we came up a little bit short. (On the positives for this season) We’ve gotten better from beginning to end. We just want to continue to build good habits in the last game and the off season and let that momentum carry over to next season.”

“(On coming off the bench) It’s been a difficult season with all the injuries I’ve had and being in and out of the lineup. I’ve just tried to provide spark. (On Will Bynum) I thought we worked our pick and roll really well. As long as I can get a piece of a man for Will it will help us spread the floor and make our offense more fluid. (Looking back on the season) Like I said injuries were frustrating, but towards the end of the season I felt like I was getting into the flow of the game and getting more comfortable in our offense. I’d really like to get this one last game to end the season on a positive note.”

“It was a great team win. A lot of guys contributed, we got guys rest. We got the second unit a ton of work. I think we got a lot accomplished tonight. We’ll play the Chicago game closer to our regular rotation excepting Danny being out. (on Jeff Pendergraph) The kid worked so hard all year long and has the best attitude of any guy I’ve been around in the NBA. To get 10 and seven and be a factor out there is good to see. Jeff is a microcosm of our team. He’s a very likable guy. He’s a beloved guy in this organization.”

“We wanted the win after the other night. We wanted to get back on track and show that we still have it. Jeff really gave us a pickup tonight, was very productive and instrumental in this win. Everybody pitched in as we should. We must compete every night no matter who we are playing. This is the way that we want to head into the playoffs.”

“It was nice to be out there. I kind of felt like my old self. As coach told us, get out there and play hard, play aggressive and get the win. We just have to keep on playing, planning and getting ready. I think both units are ready for the playoffs.”

“(On his game) I felt pretty good out there. Didn’t feel too much of the injury, just a little rust and I can work that out. I’m trying to get myself back into position to help get this team get victories in the playoffs. (Is the team ready?) In my opinion, we are ready to head to the playoffs. Everybody knows their role and what the coach wants us to do. All we have to do is continue to work and get that done.”